The CARICOM passport has recently emerged as one of the most attractive and powerful passports in the world. An extremely popular route for investors and their families to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean community is through citizenship by investment.
Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, allowing foreign nationals to obtain an alternative citizenship in exchange for contributing to the country’s economic stability and development.
Be it a relaxed lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, or a steady economy, the Caribbean has it all and has, therefore, become the number one choice for investment among foreign investors over the years. You can obtain Caribbean citizenship and a passport by making a qualifying investment starting from $100,000. In this article, we will take you through the process of getting Caribbean citizenship by investment – the advantages, requirements, investment options, and more.
Countries Offering Caribbean Passports by Investment in 2024
Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program was initiated in 2013 and offers the best Caribbean citizenship for large families and the most affordable for a family of four. The minimum investment starts at $100,000, minus due diligence fees, and the main applicant has several options to invest, including a non-refundable contribution to the government fund, a purchase of government-approved real estate, a business investment, or a donation to the University of the West Indies Fund.
The citizenship program offers the fastest application process, granting investors a Caribbean passport within four to five months.
Dominica
The Dominica citizenship by investment program was introduced in 1993, making it one of the longest-standing citizenship programs among Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean. The Dominica government allows investors, including dependent parents, to obtain second citizenship and a CARICOM passport by investing $200,000 in the country’s economy. Investments that qualify for Dominican citizenship include a non-refundable contribution to a state fund and purchasing Caribbean real estate in approved real estate developments.
Grenada
Like Antigua and Barbuda, the Grenada citizenship by investment program was launched in 2013 as a strategy to stimulate the country’s development by attracting foreign investment and granting Grenada citizenship in return. The minimum investment requirement is $235,000, excluding processing fees; however, this qualifies a single applicant or a family of two adult family members and two children in the same application.
Qualifying investments include a state fund non-refundable contribution or buying property in pre-approved real estate developments.
St Kitts and Nevis
Launched in 1984, St Kitts and Nevis was the first among Caribbean jurisdictions to establish a citizenship by investment program. As the most renowned citizenship program, successful applicants enjoy more options to travel visa free than other Caribbean passport holders.
The principal applicant must invest at least $250,000 and can apply as a single applicant or include up to three family members in the same application and investment. Similar to other Commonwealth countries offering citizenship citizenship by investment, a non-refundable contribution is the primary investment option, and investors can also purchase government-approved real estate to obtain St Kitts alternative citizenship.
Investors must wait seven years before they can sell real estate purchased to obtain Caribbean citizenship.
St Lucia
As the most recent Caribbean nation to introduce a citizenship by investment program, St Lucia has quickly become one of the most attractive Caribbean islands for global investors looking for a second passport and increased travel freedom. Introduced into the country’s citizenship act in 2016, this British Commonwealth country offers Caribbean passports to foreign nationals who invest at least $240,000 in its development.
The minimum investment amount qualifies a family of up to four for economic citizenship in this Caribbean country, and there is the option to purchase Caribbean real estate, make a non-fundable contribution, or establish an enterprise. For potential applicants seeking alternative investment options, the St Lucia citizenship by investment program offers the most of all the countries offering Caribbean second citizenship, with the opportunity to acquire government bonds or invest in infrastructure on the island.
Take a look at our Detailed Comparison Guide of Five Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs
Benefits of a Caribbean Passport
With a passport from the Caribbean countries, high-net-worth individuals enjoy the many benefits of obtaining citizenship in a country that is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM):
- The fast application process means you can obtain citizenship within four to five months
- Enjoy visa free travel to over 140 countries, including countries in the Schengen Area, the UK, and China
- Caribbean tax benefits are favorable, including no worldwide income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax
- There are little to no residency requirements
- You can apply for citizenship for your whole family
- Dual citizenship is allowed
- There are excellent education opportunities
- The entire process is entirely confidential
Why is Caribbean citizenship by investment popular?
Caribbean citizenship by investment is highly popular for individuals looking for a second passport with excellent advantages. Caribbean passport benefits include visa-free access to more than 140 countries worldwide, including places like the EU Schengen Zone and the UK.
The CBI programs also offer diverse investment schemes, such as business investment opportunities, purchasing real estate, donating to a university or government fund, or purchasing government bonds.
Finally, Caribbean citizens benefit from favorable tax policies and exemptions that help them optimize their taxes and plan for their futures.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs
The Caribbean region offers some of the most affordable citizenship by investment schemes in the world. In exchange for a qualifying economic investment, you can obtain a second passport for you and your family, yielding various benefits, as discussed above.
Country | Minimum Non-Refundabale Contribution | Minimum Real Estate Investment | Passport Validity |
Dominica | $200,000 | $200,000 | Ten years |
St Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | $400,000 | Ten years |
Grenada | $235,000 | $270,000 | Five years |
St Lucia | $240,000 | $300,000 | Five years |
Antigua and Barbuda | $100,000 | $200,000 | Five years |
Diverse investment options
There are various investment options through which you can obtain a second passport in the Caribbean. For instance, in all five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment, you can obtain a passport in return for a real estate investment or contribution to a public fund.
The most affordable investment that you can opt for is the non-refundable donation to a government fund. The investment made is generally distributed for the development of various sectors like tourism, transport, infrastructure, the building of new schools and hospitals, and the maintenance of cultural heritage.
The second most popular investment route after the fund donation option is real estate investment. You can invest in government-approved construction projects to obtain Caribbean citizenship. This option is very attractive as after three to seven years of purchasing real estate, you can sell it off and get back your money. During this period, you can also profit from rental income, depending on the investment property.
Other investment alternatives include business investment (only valid in Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda) and a one-time donation to the University of the West Indies Fund or UWI Fund (applicable in Antigua and Barbuda).
Increased mobility
With a passport from the Caribbean, you can enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries worldwide. Caribbean citizens can travel to popular places like the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Singapore without a visa and also apply for a US business visa.
Country | Global Passport Index Ranking | Visa Free Countries | Key Visa Free Destinations |
St Kitts and Nevis | 53rd | 153 | EU, Schengen Area, UK, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Thailand |
Antigua and Barbuda | 59th | 150 | EU, Schengen Area, UK, Russia, China, Singapore, South Africa |
St Lucia | 74th | 148 | EU, Schengen Area, Singapore, UK, Taiwan |
Grenada | 75th | 147 | EU, Schengen Area, UK, Russia, China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia |
Dominica | 78th | 146 | Schengen Area, Russia, China, Singapore |
Minimum tax burden
Since most of the Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment also provide great tax benefits, the Caribbean region is considered a tax haven. The tax regime in the region is particularly beneficial for international companies operating outside their home country and for non-tax residents in the Caribbean, which applies to most applicants under the citizenship by investment programs. Few countries also don’t have various taxes at all. For instance, you don’t have to pay any property tax in Dominica, and in St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda, there is no income tax.
Tax | St Kitts and Nevis | Antigua and Barbuda | Dominica | Grenada | St Lucia |
Income tax | No tax | No tax | Tax applicable | Tax applicable | Tax applicable |
Foreign income tax | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax |
Property tax | Tax applicable | Tax applicable | No tax | Tax applicable | Tax applicable |
Wealth tax | Tax applicable | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax |
Inheritance tax | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax |
Gift tax | No tax | Tax applicable | No tax | No tax | No tax |
Capital gains tax | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax | No tax |
Stamp duty | Tax applicable | Tax applicable | No tax | No tax | Tax applicable |
Family-friendly approach
Under the citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean, you can include your family members – spouse, children (including from previous marriages), parents and grandparents, and siblings in your application. Please note that the eligibility requirements and rules vary from country to country.
Country | Eligible Family Members |
Grenada | Spouse, financially dependent children under 30 years old, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings |
St Kitts and Nevis | Spouse, financially dependent children below 30 years, and parents over 65 years old |
Dominica | Spouse, financially dependent children below 30 years, parents and grandparents over 65 years |
Antigua and Barbuda | Spouse, financially dependent children under 28, siblings, and parents and grandparents over 55 years |
St Lucia | Spouse, financially dependent children not older than 25 years of age, siblings under 18, parents and grandparents over 65 years |
Dual citizenship with remote processing
The application for your citizenship by investment program in the Caribbean can only be submitted through Authorized Agents, such as Global Citizen Solutions. They also enable you to obtain your second passport without leaving your house, as investment applications can be completed remotely. Apart from Antigua and Barbuda, you are not required to visit the new country of citizenship to maintain this status. Your passport will be delivered to an address of your choice after four to five months.
Citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean enable dual citizenship, as the countries offering the programs do not require you to renounce your current nationality to obtain your second citizenship.
Confidential process
The application process for the citizenship by investment programs is kept confidential. The government guarantees the complete security of your and your family’s information.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Obtain Caribbean Citizenship by Investment
You can follow the following steps to get second citizenship in the Caribbean:
Document preparation and submission – As the first step, you will need to collect all relevant documents as required by your chosen citizenship by investment program. At Global Citizenship Solutions, our advisors will act as the bridge between you and your preferred country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit. We will help you scan the documents and submit them correctly so that the chances of rejection are lower.
Getting your application processed – Once your application is received, the CBI Unit will begin its background checks and due diligence checks and, depending on the result, will either accept or reject your application. If your application is accepted, you move on to the next stage.
Make your investment – After your citizenship application is approved, you then have to make the required investment (either donate to the government fund, make a real estate investment, or proceed with any other eligible investment) and send proof to the Unit.
Get your Caribbean passport – After the Citizenship by Investment Unit confirms your investment and application, you will receive your naturalization certificate. With the certificate, you can then apply for your second passport. You can then collect your second passport from your agent’s office or get it couriered to an address of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caribbean Passport
What is a Caribbean passport?
A passport from the Caribbean is a document that allows a citizen to freely enter any state with a visa-waiver agreement with your Caribbean country of citizenship. 20 Caribbean countries belong to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meaning a passport from any of them is also a CARICOM passport.
What are the five Caribbean citizenship programs?
Five countries offer citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, and St Lucia.
How do I get a Caribbean passport?
By making the required qualifying investment (either through government funds, real estate investment, or other routes) and meeting all eligibility requirements, you can obtain Caribbean citizenship and, therefore, a passport.
Which Caribbean passport is the strongest?
Among the five countries that offer Caribbean citizenship programs, the St Kitts and Nevis passport is the strongest passport. The country ranks 53rd on our Global Passport Index based on enhanced visa free travel, quality of life, and economic investment.
Can I live in the UK with a Caribbean passport?
Caribbean passports, such as Dominica or Jamaican passports, do not include the right to live in the UK, and a Caribbean passport holder from one of these countries must obtain the necessary residence permit to live there. However, Caribbean passport holders from countries like the Cayman Islands and Anguilla are British Overseas Territories Citizens, granting them the privilege of establishing residency in the United Kingdom.
Why are Caribbean passports powerful?
Caribbean (CARICOM) passports are powerful due to their extensive visa free travel options, including visa free access to the UK, EU Schengen countries, and China, as well as the ease of obtaining second citizenship through economic citizenship programs.
